Members Celebrate ISSA’s Tenth Anniversary in their Countries

In addition to celebrations at the ISSA Annual Conference in October, ISSA member organizations marked the anniversary in their countries by organizing special events and by awarding certificates of appreciation to key partners and individuals with outstanding performance. Here is an example from Latvia.

Celebrating ISSA’s 10th anniversary urged the Center for Education Initiatives (CEI) in Latvia to reflect upon the impact of the Step by Step Program in Latvia and to recognize individuals and organizations whose outstanding efforts and commitment ensured that the positive changes initiated in pre-school and primary education are sustainable and continue to provide benefits for children and their families.  In late 2009 CEI was proud to award ISSA certificates of appreciation to 8 education institutions (3 preschools, 3 schools, one university and one municipal educational authority) and 12 individuals. 

Special events were chosen to present these certificates, for instance the National Independence day celebrations in Pumpuri Secondary School in Jurmala, the Annual Parents/Teachers meeting in the pre-school “Abecitis” in Riga, the Meeting of Valmiera City Council and Board of Education, and the Meeting of the Scientific Board of Daugavpils University.

These events were covered by the regional media, as well as by announcements on the websites of municipalities and organizations involved. Awarding the ISSA Certificates reminded these communities and the society at large about the values and beliefs introduced in Latvia by the Step by Step program. Several long-term partners of the program admitted that initially they felt rather alone in bringing about changes, but were happy to share that now the ideas promoted are embedded in systems and there is a critical mass working towards common goals of quality early education. These events were opportunities to celebrate the fact that the Step by Step program has brought significant changes in the Latvian system of education for the benefit of children and their families.